Sherlock Holmes: The Final Problem (EP0978)

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Sherlock Holmes: The Final Problem" (EP0978)

Presented by the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Host: Adam Graham
Release Date: June 20, 2013

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Introduction

In this episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham delves into the classic Sherlock Holmes narrative, "The Final Problem." This dramatized rendition features distinguished voices, including Sir John Gielgud as Sherlock Holmes, Sir Ralph Richardson as Dr. Watson, and the iconic Orson Welles portraying Professor Moriarty. The episode captures the tense and climactic confrontation between the legendary detective and his arch-nemesis, culminating in the fateful encounter at the Reichenbach Falls.

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The Dramatization of "The Final Problem"

Rekindling the Partnership

The episode opens with Dr. Watson reminiscing about his long-standing friendship with Sherlock Holmes. At [04:53], Richardson sets the scene, expressing his dedication to chronicling their adventures:

Ralph Richardson [04:53]: "It is with a heavy heart that I come before you with the last adventure of my friend Sherlock Holmes that I shall be able to relate."

Despite years of drift due to personal commitments, Watson is unexpectedly reunited with Holmes at [06:25]:

Sherlock Holmes [06:25]: "Good evening, Watson."

Holmes's Obsession with Moriarty

Holmes reveals his growing concern over Professor Moriarty, describing him as the mastermind behind a vast criminal network in London. At [08:05], Holmes emphasizes Moriarty's subtle yet pervasive influence:

Sherlock Holmes [08:05]: "He corrupts all London with his evil influence."

Watson remains skeptical, but Holmes is unwavering in his determination to bring Moriarty down, stating at [08:34]:

Sherlock Holmes [08:34]: "Three days more and I shall have him, Watson. Three days more. If I live to see them."

The Confrontation

The tension peaks during the intense dialogue between Holmes and Moriarty. At [05:27], Orson Welles's Moriarty declares:

Professor Moriarty [05:27]: "Mr. Sherlock Holmes. Your efforts on the side of law and order have seriously inconvenienced me."

Their conversation, laden with veiled threats and intellectual sparring, showcases the deep animosity and mutual respect between the two geniuses. A notable exchange at [12:35] illustrates Holmes's strategic prowess:

Sherlock Holmes [12:35]: "Above your own mark, Professor. The exact spot, I think."

The Flight to the Continent

Anticipating danger, Holmes devises a meticulous plan for him and Watson to flee to the continent. At [17:33], Holmes provides detailed instructions to Watson:

Sherlock Holmes [17:33]: "Tomorrow morning at 8:45 you will take a hansom cab."

Despite following the plan meticulously, Watson remains anxious as they board the train, fearing Moriarty's imminent threat. The narrative builds suspense as Moriarty appears on the train at [20:00], leading to a dramatic showdown.

The Climactic Encounter at Reichenbach Falls

The final act unfolds at the picturesque yet perilous Reichenbach Falls. As described by Watson at [23:13], Holmes and Moriarty engage in a fierce struggle that results in both men plunging into the abyss:

Ralph Richardson [23:13]: "They had gone down to the abyss. Only the letter. The last greeting from my friend and comrade."

Holmes's heartfelt letter [29:01] addressed to Watson reveals his final thoughts and preparations for the inevitable conclusion:

Sherlock Holmes [29:01]: "Believe me to be, my very dear good fellow. Yours most sincerely, Sherlock Holmes."

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Host's Analysis and Critique

After the dramatization concludes, host Adam Graham reflects on the episode's execution and its place within the Sherlock Holmes canon. At [32:31], Graham shares his initial reservations about the episode:

Adam Graham [32:31]: "Actually it's one of the first ones when I was considering whether we would do this particular Sherlock Holmes series and I almost decided not to do it."

He critiques the production for its staged feel, attributing this to the limited number of characters and the interactions resembling a three-person play rather than a dynamic radio drama. Graham also points out the overly polite exchanges between Holmes and Moriarty, which he feels detract from the inherent tension of their rivalry:

Adam Graham [32:37]: "Holmes and Moriarty were just ridiculously polite to one another."

Despite these critiques, Graham acknowledges the value of the original story and the efforts of the radio adaptation. He compares it to his preferred Granada Television adaptation and expresses appreciation for the classic narrative's enduring appeal. As the series nears its conclusion, Graham encourages listeners to tune in for the final episode, promising more Sherlock Holmes content in future specials.

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Conclusion

"Sherlock Holmes: The Final Problem" offers a faithful yet dramatized portrayal of one of literature's most iconic confrontations. Through stellar performances by Gielgud, Richardson, and Welles, the episode brings to life the intense battle of wits between Holmes and Moriarty. While the production may have its shortcomings, as noted by Adam Graham, it remains a significant installment in the ongoing celebration of Sherlock Holmes in old-time radio formats.

Listeners are left contemplating the sacrifices Holmes makes in his quest for justice and the profound impact of his partnership with Dr. Watson. As Adam Graham aptly summarizes, despite certain flaws, the episode serves as a heartfelt homage to the timeless detective and his enduring legacy.

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For more episodes and discussions, visit RadioDetectives.net, follow on Twitter at @radiodetectives, and join the community on Facebook at facebook.com/radiodetectives.

Transcript

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the great detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. If you have a comment, email it to me. Box13eightdetectives.net Follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and become one of our friends on Facebook. Facebook.com RadioDetectives Today's episode is brought to you by the financial support of our listeners. Thank you so much for your support. You can support the show at support.greatdetectives.net now it's time for today's episode of Sherlock Holmes with special guest star Orson Welles. The final problem?

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[John Gielgud]

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes we present the original stories of the late Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dramatized anew with Sir John Gilgud as Sherlock Holmes, Sir Ralph Richardson as Dr. Watson, and today Orson Welles as Professor Moriarty.

[Ralph Richardson]

It is with a heavy heart that I come before you with the last adventure of my friend Sherlock Holmes that I shall be able to relate. I have tried in my humble way to chronicle some of our exploits together to demonstrate the singular gifts of that most remarkable of men. It lies with me now to tell you what occurred between Holmes and his arch enemy, Professor Moriarty, when at last they came face to face.

[Orson Welles]

Mr. Sherlock Holmes. Your efforts on the side of law and order have seriously inconvenienced me. The situation between us is becoming an Impossible one, Mr. Holmes. It simply cannot go on. One or the other of us must die. Must die, Mr. Holmes.

[Ralph Richardson]

It was in the spring of 1891. You will remember perhaps that after my marriage and return to private practice, Holmes and I had drifted apart a little. I followed the newspaper reports of his cases, of course, and called on him quite often at the old rooms in Baker Street. Even so, however, many weeks would sometimes elapse between our meetings. And so it was with some surprise one April evening that I looked up and saw him standing before me in my study.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good evening, Watson.

[Ralph Richardson]

Ah, good evening, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Have you a cigarette for me?

[Ralph Richardson]

Holmes, it. Great heavens, man, how ill you look.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, I dare say I've been using myself up rather too freely of late, old friend. You have no objection if I close your window shutters? No, of course not.

[Ralph Richardson]

You're not afraid of anything, are you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, to tell you the truth, I am rather.

[Ralph Richardson]

It's not like you, Holmes. What is it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Air guns.

[Ralph Richardson]

Air guns? What on earth do you mean?

[Sherlock Holmes]

There's a new and deadly type of air gun, Watson, which has been specially designed by an old acquaintance of ours.

[Ralph Richardson]

Who?

[Orson Welles]

What?

[Ralph Richardson]

Professor Moriarty. It can only be he from your tome.

[Orson Welles]

The same.

[Sherlock Holmes]

A match. Give me a match, will you, my dear fellow?

[Ralph Richardson]

Yes, of course.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, thank you. Is Mrs. Watson at home?

[Ralph Richardson]

Oh, no, she's on a visit to an armed quite alone.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good, good. That makes it easier for me to propose that you should come away with me for a few days.

[Ralph Richardson]

Oh, Delighted. But where?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, the continent, somewhere abroad.

[Ralph Richardson]

Abroad?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Is that whisky in the decanter there?

[Orson Welles]

Yes.

[Ralph Richardson]

Now look here, Holmes. What's all this about? There's something more serious in your manner than.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You never did quite believe in the iniquities of of Moriarty, did you, Watson? You've said so more than once.

[Ralph Richardson]

I felt you exaggerated a bit. After all, Professor Moriarty is a respectable figure in public life.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Just so. And that's the very genius of the man. Even you, Watson, knowing me as you do, can't quite believe me when I tell you that he corrupts all London with his evil influence.

[Ralph Richardson]

Oh, I can't quite believe that.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, of course, to the world he's still the professor, the great mathematician, he's respectable.

[Ralph Richardson]

But what real proof have you that he's anything else?

[Sherlock Holmes]

None. Well, at least not until this last month. And even now the chain isn't quite complete. But three days more and I shall have him, Watson. Three days more. If I live to see them.

[Ralph Richardson]

You can't seriously suppose that your life's in danger, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No.

[Ralph Richardson]

You always love to be melodramatic.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Melodramatic? Listen, Watson. This morning, this very morning, in those old rooms of ours in Baker Street. I saw him face to face. I spoke to him.

[Ralph Richardson]

Moriarty.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Your distinguished professor within him a criminal strain of the most diabolical kind. That great white dome of a forehead, those hooded eyes and the white face pushed forward, oscillating from side to side like a snake.

[Ralph Richardson]

Oh, of course, if you believe the old heresy of physiognomy.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Only that. Of course. Of course not. I've worked for years to follow a thousand different threads. And every one of them has led to Moriarty. He's the Napoleon of crime, Watson. The secret organizer of almost everything evil that goes undetected in this great city of ours. There he sits. Motionless. Like a spider in the center of its web. A web with a thousand strands. And he controls them, every one. But slowly, very slowly, my own secret plans to expose him have borne fruit. Every day my knit is drawing tighter. And he knows it, Watson. He knows the danger he's in. And that was why today he came to see me. I was playing my violin, as you know, I often do when I want to think. And suddenly there he was. Standing in the doorway with his white face swaying in that evil way, peering at me with his hooded eyes. Good morning, Professor Moriarty. Good morning to you, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe.

[Orson Welles]

How very charmingly you play.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How kind of you to say so. Won't you be Seated. Professor Moriarty. I can spare you just five minutes.

[Orson Welles]

Singularly good of you. Thank you. I will sit down. May I say something personal, Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Certainly.

[Orson Welles]

Surprised to discover that you have rather less cranial development than one might have expected.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, as you, on the contrary, have rather more than I had imagined, Professor. You will recollect, I am sure, however, that Beethoven's outdid us both. However, our personal characteristics are hardly relevant to the present situation. What have you really got to say to me?

[Orson Welles]

Perhaps I only suggest it, of course. Perhaps it is a dangerous habit to finger loaded firearms in the pocket of one's dressing gown, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Evidently you share that danger, Professor. I see that you keep your hand in the pocket of your morning coat. Supposing we lay our pistols and our cards on the table.

[Orson Welles]

By all means. I was about to suggest it myself. Ah, I see you favor the Mauser type, Mr. Holmes. And without a silencer. You must permit me to present you sometime with one of these small devices of my own design. They are quite convenient in avoiding unpleasant noise, you know.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How very kind of you, Professor. You must ask the hangman to deliver it to me as your last request.

[Orson Welles]

You evidently don't know me, mister.

[Sherlock Holmes]

On the contrary, I think I know you better than you know yourself. I wouldn't take up your gun again, Professor. I've already got you covered with mine.

[Orson Welles]

So I perceive. But I assure you it was only.

[Sherlock Holmes]

To give a harmless demonstration of the silencer.

[Orson Welles]

Of my own small accomplishments as a marksman. Mr. Holmes. I've read in those accounts of Dr. Watson that somewhat bovine.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I beg your pardon?

[Orson Welles]

No doubt amiable friend of yours that those marks on the wall there are made from your indoor revolver practice.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Quite so. The initials there. VR Victoria Regina. God save Her Majesty.

[Orson Welles]

Now that I see them at, seems perhaps that they are not quite as symmetrical as they might be. One side of the V is a little short, I think. Permit me to correct the slip.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Admirable. Professor Moriarty. You were perfectly right, of course. That little mistake has now been rectified. I would like, however, if I may, to improve upon it. Your bullet mark is perhaps a shade smaller than my own. Permit me.

[Orson Welles]

Admirable, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, precisely. Above your own mark, Professor. The exact spot, I think. No, no. Pray don't look alarmed. My good landlady is quite accustomed to that noise. We shall not be disturbed.

[Orson Welles]

I am very glad of it, for what I have to say is not without importance. Mr. Holmes, shall we stop our fencing and begin?

[Sherlock Holmes]

By all means. If you will permit me first, to correct one statement that you made just now. Well, sir, with reference to my friend Dr. Watson, I am afraid I can hardly permit the adjective bovine in his accounts of my humble exploits. He's been good enough to exaggerate my own achievements and has always been unduly modest about his own. He is a most upright and honorable. Honorable gentleman, professor, and very close to my heart. You may say what you will about me, but I can allow no derogatory words about him.

[Orson Welles]

Very well, Mr. Holmes.

[Ralph Richardson]

I apologize.

[Orson Welles]

We who are about to die salute him. At least you do.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You're very certain, aren't you, Professor Moriarty, that it is I who am going to die?

[Orson Welles]

There is no other course unless you listen to reason. The situation between us, Mr. Holmes, is becoming an impossible one. It simply cannot go on.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It won't, I assure you. For these past few months I've been working to put an end to it all at the earliest possible moment.

[Orson Welles]

And you have very nearly undone the careful endeavor of a lifetime, sir. Or at least have seriously threatened it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, no, no.

[Orson Welles]

Don't move your pistol again. I'm only taking out my memorandum book.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I beg your pardon?

[Orson Welles]

I find it recorded here that you crossed my path on the 4th of January, Holmes. On the 23rd you incommoded me. By the middle of February I was seriously inconvenienced by you. The end of March I was absolutely hampered. And now, at the close of April, I find myself placed in such a position through your continual persecution that I'm in positive danger of losing my liberty.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That was certainly the end I had in view.

[Orson Welles]

Then you must drop it, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You really must.

[Orson Welles]

You know.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Not till after Monday. Professor, you know as well as I do that you've made a slip. One single tiny slip. For years I've been aware of you, Moriarty, at the center of your organization. Forgeries, murder cases, robberies. A thousand crimes were planned by you. A hundred agents carried them out. Your subordinates were caught sometimes, but you never were. And yet you know you made that slip, that single tiny slip. And you know as well as I do that it will destroy you. In three more days my evidence will be complete. I shall have you exposed, brought to trial, condemned and hanged. And you can do nothing whatever to prevent it. My will is inflexible.

[Orson Welles]

And so is mine. Three days, do you say? And before they're out, the end will come. One or the other of us must die, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Quite so. The five minutes is up, professor. And I must really ask you to excuse me. In the Pleasure of our conversation. I'm afraid that I've neglected business of importance elsewhere.

[Orson Welles]

Very well then. Seems a pity, Mr. Holmes, that I've done what I could. I admit that it's been an intellectual pleasure me to see the way in which you grappled with this affair. But I tell you solemnly, Sherlock Holmes, that if you are clever enough to bring destruction on me, you may rest assured that I shall do as much to you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You have paid me several compliments during this interview, Professor. Let me pay you one in return when I say that if I were assured of the former eventuality I would most cheerfully accept the letter.

[Orson Welles]

I can promise you the one, but not the other. Good day, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, your pistol, Professor. You may need it before Monday.

[Orson Welles]

Thank you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good day, Professor.

[Orson Welles]

I think goodbye is the word, Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Goodbye. So it was. You see, Watson, that singular interview with the greatest criminal of all time and.

[Ralph Richardson]

His with the greatest detective.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, thank you, my dear fellow.

[Ralph Richardson]

But what are you going to do, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I told you, we leave for the continent. Moriarty is not the man to let the grass grow under his feet. Already one or two accidents have nearly befallen me today upon myself. Yes, the police are gathering all my evidence against him. Everything will be complete in three short days. Meanwhile, I can only lie low. Are you able to leave your practice to come with me?

[Ralph Richardson]

I have an accommodating neighbor.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Dear Watson, I knew I could count on you. All right then. Now these are your instructions. Listen most carefully.

[Ralph Richardson]

Instructions, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I assure you they are most necessary. Tomorrow morning at 8:45 you will take a hansom cab.

[Ralph Richardson]

I'll arrange for one to call.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, no, you really must obey me to the letter, Watson. You'll leave the house alone tomorrow morning and take neither the first nor the second cab which presents itself at the rank.

[Ralph Richardson]

Very well, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Hand the address to the cabman written on a slip of paper and tell him not to throw it away.

[Ralph Richardson]

And I drive, I take it to Victoria Station.

[Sherlock Holmes]

On the contrary, you drive to the Strand end of the Lowther Arcade.

[Ralph Richardson]

I see.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And then have your fare ready and the instant your cab stops, pay him and dash through the arcade, timing yourself to reach the other side at exactly a quarter past nine.

[Ralph Richardson]

Yes, but my dear.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Listen man, listen carefully. It's vital. Our lives depend upon it. When you get there you will find a brougham standing close to the curb, driven by a fellow with a black cloak tipped with red. Say nothing, simply jump in and he'll drive you to Victoria in time for the Continental Express.

[Ralph Richardson]

And where Shall I meet you, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

A second coach from the front of the train. A first class carriage reserved for us. Good night, Watson. And as you value our lives, don't forget a single word of my instructions.

[Ralph Richardson]

No, no, no, of course not, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Until we meet. Tomorrow then.

[Ralph Richardson]

Until we meet. I was infected myself with something of his own. Inner excitement and sense of menace. I took the hansom and then the brougham with its massive hooded driver. I said nothing to him, as I was instructed, and he never spoke to me. A moment later we were rattling to the station. There he left me and drove off without a further glance, his face still hidden. There was no sign of Holmes and my heart sank miserably. I found our reserved carriage, but through some confusion, a decline decrepit old Italian priest was sitting there. The moment came for departure. Still I waited by the window in a chill of fear. I'm sorry, Padre, I don't speak Italian.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Nor do I.

[Ralph Richardson]

What good.

[Adam Graham]

Quiet man.

[Sherlock Holmes]

This is no laughter matter. Not yet anyway. There, see?

[Orson Welles]

Stop.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Stop the train. It's Moriarty himself.

[Ralph Richardson]

The tall man. He'll never do it.

[Orson Welles]

Stop the train, I say.

[Ralph Richardson]

Let me go, you fool, let me go.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Even the great Morati himself is helpless against the British railway system. Watson. Well, well, it gives us an hour's respite at least.

[Ralph Richardson]

But how, how did he know where we were?

[Sherlock Holmes]

By watching you, I expect.

[Ralph Richardson]

But I did everything you told me. Wait. Holmes. The driver of the road, what about him? He was muffled, I didn't see his face. It must have been one of Moriarty's men.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My dear Watson, it was nothing of the sort. It was my brother Mycroft, shaken for once out of his armchair at the Diogenes Club.

[Ralph Richardson]

Good heavens. The thing is serious then?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Of course. But at least we have an hour and I can use it to take off this disguise and think things over.

[Ralph Richardson]

But we've escaped him altogether. Surely, since the train connects with the boat.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My dear fellow, you evidently don't realize even now that Moriarty is an opponent on practically the same intellectual plane as myself. Do you really imagine that if I were the pursuer, I would permit myself to be baffled by so slight an obstacle as an express train?

[Ralph Richardson]

What will he do then?

[Sherlock Holmes]

What I should do, engage a special.

[Ralph Richardson]

But it'll be too late even then.

[Sherlock Holmes]

By no means. We stop at Canterbury, don't forget. And then there's always a delay of a quarter of an hour when the train gets to Dover.

[Ralph Richardson]

Oh, so you'd almost think we were the criminals to be chased like this. You mean that he'll catch us after all.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I hope not. We shan't be there. Watson.

[Ralph Richardson]

Look. Look here Holmes, I, I hate to grumble after all this time but really I do think he. You ought to tell me what you mean.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Heaven bless you for a stout and faithful friend. Watson. I'm sorry. It's only that. Well, well, I don't want to expose you to danger too. That's why I'm being so mysterious. It's very simple really. We shall just get out at Canterbury.

[Ralph Richardson]

Indeed. And not go on the continent after all, I suppose.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, we must do that. We've no choice but to hide away until after Monday when the evidence will have been completed. You've not seen the papers this morning. Morning I suppose.

[Ralph Richardson]

Oh really Holmes, what time do you think I've had for that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

One must try to make time for everything, Watson. You really should have read about Baker Street.

[Ralph Richardson]

What? Baker Street?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, they set fire to our rooms last night. Mrs. Hudson was away from home fortunately and no one was hurt I'm glad to say. They thought I was there of course.

[Ralph Richardson]

Poor my soul. The thing's intolerable.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, only till Monday, Watson, and by then we'll be in Switzerland. We'll make a cross country journey from Canterbury and take the other boat from New Haven to Dieppe. Unless of course what our friend the professor deduces what I would deduce and gets off at Canterbury himself. Ah, that would truly be a coup de maitre.

[Ralph Richardson]

He surely never would.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well I rather doubt it. There are limits even to his intelligence. No, no, I think we are safe enough old friend. And now there's time for a pipe I fancy. Won't you join me, Watson?

[Ralph Richardson]

And thus it befell. As we hid behind a pile of luggage at Canterbury we saw the single carriage of the Special go thundering pass us. And so we made our way across country and at last reached Switzerland. It seemed we had eluded him. To fill in every detail of the final scene is hardly possible since there was no witness to it. Yet from a certain source that I cannot yet divulge, I do know something of that last encounter. We wandered at our will through the lovely valley of the Rhone and made our way by way of Interlaken to the little township of Mirigan among the Alps. The fatal Monday came and went and yet I was still aware of a strange febrile excitement in my companion. He was at times feverishly on the alert, then sinking into reverie and would smile strangely to himself. I went with him on that last day of all, on a Visit to the falls of Reichenbach forever hallowed and yet cursed in my memory. It's a fearful place indeed, with a torrent plunging far below into a tremendous abyss. A chasm lined by coal black glistening rock. High above a pathway has been cut in the cliff face to afford a better view, but it ends abruptly in mid air and the traveller has to return. As he came we stood there giddily marvelling at the great spectacle. And on the instant came a message for me by a village lad to say that an English lady back at the hotel was seriously ill and needed my immediate attention. I turned to go, I looked back and I saw Holmes leaning against a rock with his arms folded, gazing down at the rush of the waters. It was the last I saw.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Is that you Watson? Back already? Well, Moriarty?

[Orson Welles]

Well, sir. Sherlock Holmes. You see, I found you after all. And alone.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Alone as indeed you must be too, now that your confederates are all under lock and key. I heard from Scotland Yard.

[Orson Welles]

I escaped. I was too clever for them, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I don't doubt it. But I'm afraid your occupation's gone, professor, with your organization destroyed. Unless you care to return to your mathematics.

[Orson Welles]

It was not my intention. I have another more immediate intention. Sherlock Holmes. Are you prepared?

[Sherlock Holmes]

But before we discuss that, perhaps you extend me one small courtesy, Professor.

[Orson Welles]

No, certainly. What is it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

My friend Watson, Professor. No doubt he will be somewhat concerned. May I just take a moment to scribble a note to him?

[Orson Welles]

Certainly. We can fix the paper beneath my Alpen stock there so it does not blow away. Pray take as long as you wish.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That's very good of you. Please don't stop talking, Professor. I mastered long ago the art of writing and conversing at the same time.

[Orson Welles]

Thank you. You know of course that the message arrived for Dr. Watson was a false one.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh yes, of course. I knew it at once. And that it could only come from one source.

[Orson Welles]

And yet you let him go.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, Professor, I let him go. I am not without some affection for him. I do not wish to put his life in danger too. Besides.

[Orson Welles]

Besides?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I have looked forward for a long time to this final duel between us.

[Orson Welles]

I believe it. Holmes, you're a very remarkable man. In many ways. Many, many ways, sir. I'm proud to have known you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, and I you, Professor. There, my letter's done. Then perhaps you'll be kind enough to place it as you suggested. Now, how shall it be, Moriarty?

[Orson Welles]

I did not bring a pistol, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you. Your courtesy puts me to shame, Professor. Here is my pistol. It goes into the falls hand to hand. Yes. Goodbye, Professor Moriarty.

[Orson Welles]

Goodbye, Sherlock Holmes.

[Ralph Richardson]

The end. The end. When I returned to that broken pathway, it was only too clear what had happened. It needed no great application of Holmes own methods of deduction. Two sets of footsteps to the verge and none returning. Locked in each other's arms as they fought. They had gone down to the abyss. Only the letter. The last greeting from my friend and comrade. My dear, dear Watson, he wrote.

[Sherlock Holmes]

My dear, dear Watson. I scribble this through the courtesy of Professor Moriarty, who awaits my convenience for the final discussion of those eternal questions which lie before us. There can be but one outcome, although I fear that it is at a cost which will give pain to my friends and especially, my dear Watson, to you. I think, however, that I may go so far as to say that I have not lived entirely in vain. Pray tell Inspector Patterson that the papers which he needs for a full conviction of the Moriarty gang are in pigeonhole M. Before leaving England, I made every disposition of my property and handed it over to my brother Mycroft. Pray give my affectionate Greetings to Mrs. Watson and remember me as I used to be in our old days at Baker street, pacing to and fro with my violin and driving you to a point of sad distraction with that theme you still were good enough to say you loved. Believe me to be, my very dear good fellow. Yours most sincerely, Sherlock Holmes.

[Ralph Richardson]

Yours most sincerely, Sherlock Holmes. And so he perished, whom I shall ever regard as the best and wisest man that I have ever known.

[John Gielgud]

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Based on the original stories of the late Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dramatized anew by John Keir Cross stars Sir John Gielgud as Sherlock Holmes, Sir Ralph Richardson as Dr. Watson and today, Orson Welles as Professor Moriarty. Produced by Harry Allen Towers.

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[Adam Graham]

Coming up this week on the Old Time Radio Snack Wagon sweet potato bread.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes.

[John Gielgud]

And that's what's going to feed our.

[Sherlock Holmes]

People during this war.

[John Gielgud]

We're going to plant sweet potatoes on the cotton field and use sweet potato and bread instead of grain. And I'm working on other uses too. I'll find the market for our crops.

[Adam Graham]

Listen to the Old Time radio snack wagon snackwagon.net or wherever you get your podcast. Welcome back. I have to be honest that I listened to this episode. Actually it's one of the first ones when I was considering whether we would do this particular Sherlock Holmes series and I almost decided not to do it and trying to think of what I don't like about this story. I think the big thing that was an issue to me is this feels more staged. It could be the lack of a supporting cast at all. You basically throughout the whole thing you've got Holmes, Watson and Moriarty as the feeling of a three man play rather than a typical radio drama. And I don't know, the other thing I think that did was that Holmes and Moriarty were just ridiculously polite to one another. Now some of this comes from the book, but you know when you're hearing it on the radio, it was a pleasure to know. It was a pleasure to know you too, Moriarty. Of course, the Sherlock Holmes story it's based on is in many ways far from perfect. The main thrust of the story was to simply kill off Sherlock Holmes and end the demand for new stories on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This attempt, of course, was ultimately unsuccessful, but that was the basic point of the story. As such, Moriarty was originally written as a sort of plot device. I will say that I enjoyed the original story despite its flaws and the Granada Television adaptation more, but we have one more week for the series, the final episode. You'll want to be sure and tune in next Thursday as we wrap up the Gielgud Richards series and our performance of Sherlock Holmes radio plays. On the bright side, we should have plenty of Sherlock Holmes video specials in the future, but last two radio plays, next week's the last one, so want to be sure and listen to that. In the meanwhile, send your comments to box thirteenrightdetectives.net Follow us on Twitter radiodetactives and become one of our friends on Facebook, facebook.com radiodetectives From Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.

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